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Colt SP1 chrome bolt.

jev1969jev1969 Member Posts: 2,691
edited March 2013 in Ask the Experts
Over in GD I posted about a SP1 I just bought. It has a 4 digit serial number in the 1500's. If I read the lists correctly that dates it in 1964. The question I have is about the bolt. It's chrome. Or at least appears so being it's silver in color. Just the bolt, the rest of the bolt carrier group is the standard black. The guy behind the counter said that some came that way. I'm not sure if he was just trying to make the sale or if it was true. Being the rifle looks like it was fired very little I see no reason why anyone would need to replace the bolt. Are there any Colt experts who know for sure? It doesn't really matter to me since I'm happy with the rifle but I would still like to know for certain.

Comments

  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    That guy behind the counter is absolutely correct. I also have a 4 digit SP-1, and it has a Chrome Bolt carrier, and the firing pin retainer is the split peg type, not cotter pin type.

    Best

    EDIT 1
    quote:Is your bolt carrier smooth sided or does it have forward assist teeth?

    I have one of each, and they are both Colt marked. The carrier is chrome, and bolt is black.
  • jev1969jev1969 Member Posts: 2,691
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by tsr1965
    That guy behind the counter is absolutely correct. I also have a 4 digit SP-1, and it has a Chrome Bolt carrier, and the firing pin retainer is the split peg type, not cotter pin type.

    Best


    Thanks for the quick reply. Like I said I am happy with the rifle but a little happier now that I know it's correct. [;)]
  • TxsTxs Member Posts: 17,809 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jev1969
    The question I have is about the bolt. It's chrome. Or at least appears so being it's silver in color. Just the bolt, the rest of the bolt carrier group is the standard black.quote:Originally posted by tsr1965
    I also have a 4 digit SP-1, and it has a Chrome Bolt carrier...Uh...
  • jev1969jev1969 Member Posts: 2,691
    edited November -1
    I saw that. Figured he was saying Colt used some chrome parts from time to time.
  • TxsTxs Member Posts: 17,809 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jev1969
    I saw that. Figured he was saying Colt used some chrome parts from time to time.
    They did in their early models. I recall seeing some very old chrome bolt carrier equipped M16's (not M16A1's) stored in military armories.

    Also...

    Are there any markings on your bolt carrier and/or bolt?

    Are these markings etched or stamped?

    Is your bolt carrier smooth sided or does it have forward assist teeth?
  • MrM1A1MrM1A1 Member Posts: 2,764 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Your BCG sounds correct. Colt originally used all chrome BCG's (except cam pin) on their early models from 1963-late '64. They began transitioning to parkerized parts in late '64, lasting through '65. It is correct to see a mixture of chrome and parked parts on early Colt BCG's from this period.

    Your bolt should have either a small sideways P mark, or a large M over small P. these markings were not stamped or engraved, they were acid etched, so sometimes they are difficult to read/find.

    Your carrier should not have forward assist notches. The gas key should be full round, not 3/4 round. staking should be two round punches on top, in between the screws, side staking came later.

    Your piring pin retaining pin should be the early machined type, not the later cotter pin type.

    Your rifle should have an Edgewater buffer as well, those alone are very difficult to find and command big $$.

    Sounds like you have yourself a nice rifle. Early 4 digit models are seldom seen for sale. Enjoy it!
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